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CITY OF ORILLIA
COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKAGE (CIP)
Page March 27, 2020
Correspondence
3 - 8 1. Human Resources Department - re The use of volunteers during an emergency - WSIB Benefits. File: H04-GENXP03-GEN
9 - 11 2. Recreation Centre Project Team - re Orillia Recreation Centre Construction Update. File: R05-ORF
13 - 14 3. Environmental Services and Operations Department - re Annual Spring Clean-up. File: T06-GEN
15 4. Environmental Services and Operations Department - re Wastewater Treatment Centre lagoon clean-out project deferred to 2021. File: E03-GEN
17 5. Environmental Services and Operations Department - re 2020 Stormwater Rates. File: C01-2019-26
19 - 20 6. Minister of Finance - re Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update). File: A16-MOF
21 - 26 7. Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - re Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update for Partners - March 25, 2020. File: S08-SMD
27 - 32 8. Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - re Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update for Partners - March 27, 2020. File: S08-SMD
33 9. Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority - re Conservation areas closed to the public. File: A01-LAK
Page 1 of 33
Page 2 of 33
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
CITY OF ORILLIA COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKAGE (CIP)
Mayor and Members of Council
Lori Bolton, Director of Human Resources
March 24, 2020
SUBJECT: The Use of Volunteers During an Emergency WSIB Benefits
At the Council meeting on March 20, 2020, the issue of the use of volunteers and whether such volunteers would be subject to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits was discussed.
WSIB was contacted on March 24th and asked for clarification regarding this matter. It was difficult to get a definitive answer; however the response from the WSIB representative included:
■ If a volunteer contacts COVID-19, has an accident or is injured, the employer must complete and submit the appropriate form to WSIB.
• The determination of who is the "employer'' is the issue. There is a WSIB Policy 12-04-03 pertaining to Special Cases (Worker Coverage) that specifically relates to "controlling or extinguishing a fire" and it states:
o The Crown is deemed the employer of a person who assists in connection with an emergency declared by the Lieutenant Governor in Council or the Premier under section 7 .0.1 of the Emergency Manager and Civil Protection Act and;
o The municipality is deemed the employer of a person who assists in conjunction with an emergency declared to exist by the head of a
. municipal council.
Although this policy relates to "controlling or extinguishing a fire", the qualifications could apply to all.areas where an emergency is declared. The City would need to argue that the volunteer was assisting the City pursuant to the emergency declared by the Premier not the head of the municipal council in order for the volunteer to be deemed an employee of the Crown and not the City.
Each case would be reviewed by the WSIB and the decision must be based on the merits and justice of the case, which means the following must be taken into account:
■ All facts and circumstances relating to the case. ■ The relevant WSIB policy or policies, and ■ The relevant provision or provisions of the Workplace Safety Insurance
Act (WSIA).
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The following facts would be relevant to the WSIB in making a determination about whether a person was or was not assisting in connection with an emergency declared by a municipality:
• The municipality's emergency plans, for instance, any provisions of those plans that relate to volunteers or volunteering during an emergency.
• Whether the municipality sourced or recruited the person to assist in connection with the emergency.
• Whether the municipality placed, assigned or authorized the person to provide services or perform specific duties in connection with the emergency.
• Whether the municipality prohibited the person from assisting in connection with the emergency.
A Disaster Volunteer Registration Form was created previously when the City established a Pandemic Plan in 2009. The employees would be screened for special skills they may possess and, and if appropriate, would be asked to volunteer in the capacity required by the City. However, when the volunteer signs a waiver, it would not preclude the volunteer from receiving WSIB benefits in the case of an accident or work related illness.
If a volunteer was hurt or had an accident while volunteering to work at the City, the City could be liable for their loss of income, costs of all medical requirements plus an administrative fee. Furthermore, if a volunteer contracted COVID-19 because the work they did exposed them to a higher level of risk than the general population, then the City could be responsible to pay all medical costs, loss of earnings and even death benefits if the volunteer succumbed to the illness. These costs would be incurred because the City is a Schedule 2 employer which means the City is individually responsible. for the full cost of the accident claims filed by its workers (and in this case volunteers would be considered workers). The WSIB maintains full authority over the Schedule 2 claims entitlement process and bills actual benefit costs plus an annual administration fee to the City.
Attachment: ► WSIB Policy 12-04-03
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3/23/2020 Emergency Workers | WSIB
https://www.wsib.ca/en/operational-policy-manual/emergency-workers 1/4
Emergency Workers
Application Date This policy applies to all revenue and claims decisions made (regardless of
accident date) on or after February 15, 2013.
Published February 15, 2013
Section Special Cases (Worker Coverage)
Document Number 12-04-03
Policy
An authority who summons a person to assist in controlling or extinguishing a �re is deemed the person's employer.
The Crown is deemed the employer of a person who assists
in a search and rescue operation at the request of, and under the direction of, a member of the Ontario Provincial
Police
in connection with an emergency declared by the Lieutenant Governor in Council or the Premier under section 7.0.1
of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
The municipality is deemed the employer of a person who assists in conjunction with an emergency declared to exist
by the head of a municipal council.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is deemed the employer of a person who assists in connection with a �re in a
designated �re region.
The person assisting in the emergencies listed above is deemed a worker of the relevant employer.
In case of injury, an emergency worker's average earnings are the actual earnings from regular employment. If the
worker has no such earnings, the WSIB �xes the amount of earnings for the purposes of the insurance plan.
Accident costs resulting from injuries covered under this policy are the responsibility of the authority deemed to be the
employer.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to set out who the employer is when a person is summoned to �ght a �re, what the
obligations of both the deemed and regular employer are, and the earnings used to calculate an emergency worker’s
average earnings in the case
Guidelines
Summoning authority for �res
Operational Policy Manual
Page 5 of 33
3/23/2020 Emergency Workers | WSIB
https://www.wsib.ca/en/operational-policy-manual/emergency-workers 2/4
For �res in designated �re regions, the summoning authority is the MNR acting in accordance with the Forest Fires
Prevention Act (FFPA) either directly or through
the Minister of Natural Resources
a �re warden, or
a special of�cer appointed by the Minister.
The summons can be explicit, as in a written instruction or an oral command; or it may be implied, as in the case of
workers of a logging company responding to a �re in accordance with a special agreement between the employer and
the MNR.
Presumptions and exceptions
Unless a volunteer force, see 12-04-02, Volunteer Forces or private-sector employer contracted by the MNR is
involved, decision-makers can presume in every case that a person �ghting �res in a designated �re region did so
under the authority of an MNR summons.
NOTE
This policy does not apply to private-sector �re�ghting employers and their workers who have contracted to work for
the MNR.
For example, special agreements exist between logging companies and the MNR which allow employees of a logging
company �ghting �res to be deemed emergency workers and to be covered under this policy. These agreements may
say that, if company employees respond of their own accord without MNR involvement, their activity is presumed to
be performed because of an MNR summons.
The MNR may rebut a decision-maker's presumption that the Ministry is the deemed employer if it shows that the
FFPA did not apply to the speci�c situation. The FFPA does not apply if
a person is involved in �ghting �res in an area of the province not designated as a �re region (such as
southwestern Ontario), or
no special agreement exists between the MNR and an employer specifying that its employees may respond of their
own accord under the authority of the FFPA.
Earnings and premiums
Emergency workers receive no wages from their deemed employer. However, wages paid to an emergency worker by
a regular employer covered under Schedule 1 for the period when the worker is covered by this policy are not
considered insurable earnings.
For the purposes of calculating premiums, Schedule 1 employers, including individuals with optional insurance, may
deduct insurable earnings resulting from any wages paid while the worker is addressing the emergency.
Who submits the accident report form?
If an emergency worker is injured, the deemed employer submits the accident report form to the WSIB, see 15-01-02,
Employers' Initial Accident-Reporting Obligations.
Average earnings in case of injury
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3/23/2020 Emergency Workers | WSIB
https://www.wsib.ca/en/operational-policy-manual/emergency-workers 3/4
In the case of injury, the WSIB calculates an emergency worker's average earnings based on the worker's actual
earnings in regular employment at the time of the accident, see 18-02-02, Determining Short-Term Average
Earnings.
An emergency worker's earnings with an employer not covered under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act,
1997 (WSIA) are included in the calculation of the worker's actual earnings.
The WSIB includes earnings from self-employment only if the emergency worker had obtained optional insurance
under the WSIA before the injury.
If, at the time of injury,
the emergency worker's earnings are only from self-employment for which the worker has not purchased optional
insurance under the WSIA before the injury, or
the emergency worker has no actual earnings (i.e., unemployed and receiving EI or social assistance bene�ts)
the worker's average earnings are set at the Average Industrial Wage for Ontario which is published by Statistics
Canada and available on July 1 of the year preceding the injury.
Regular employer's obligations
If an emergency worker is the employee of a regular employer covered under the WSIA and receives bene�ts under
this policy, the regular employer is responsible for complying with the obligations related to
work reintegration, see 19-02-02, Responsibilities of the Workplace Parties in Work Reintegration, and
continuing contributions to employment bene�ts for one year after injury, see 18-01-12, Employer Contributions to
Worker Bene�ts.
The deemed employer, however, reimburses the regular employer for the costs of meeting these obligations.
Application date
This policy applies to all revenue and claims decisions made (regardless of accident date) on or after February 15,
2013.
Document History
This document replaces 12-04-03 dated January 3, 2007.
This document was previously published as:
12-04-03 dated October 12, 2004
12-04-03 dated May 23, 2000
12-04-03 dated June 15, 1999
4.5 dated January 1, 1998
01-02-08 dated July 22, 1993*
*document was replaced by 12-04-03 dated October 12, 2004.
ReferencesPage 7 of 33
3/23/2020 Emergency Workers | WSIB
https://www.wsib.ca/en/operational-policy-manual/emergency-workers 4/4
Legislative Authority
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, as amended
Sections 2(1), 12, 13(1), 25(3), 40(4), 41(16), 53(5), 54(2), 71
Minute
Administrative
#5, January 28, 2013, Page 503
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CITY OF ORILLIA
COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKAGE (CIP)
TO: Mayor and Members of Council
FROM: Recreation Centre Project Team
DATE: March 26, 2020
SUBJECT: Orillia Recreation Centre Construction – Update – March 26, 2020 The intent of this CIP is to update members of Council on the progress of the construction of the Orillia Recreation Centre at 255 West Street South. Special Message Concerning the COVID-19 Pandemic: As everyone is aware the world is currently dealing with the devastating Coronavirus outbreak. A recent announcement by the Government of Ontario listed several essential businesses that are allowed to continue through the imposed lockdown. So far construction projects have been deemed essential but that may change as officials continually monitor the virus spread. The Recreation Centre project is still active and progress is continuing. Contrary to some news reports in other areas of the province, the general contractor, Atlas continues to provide a safe work environment with clean washroom facilities, worker screening, COVID-19 warnings posted and hand sanitizer on hand. There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 on the site. COVID-19 precautions have had a negative impact on manpower, especially in the last two weeks. A quick analysis of manpower last week vs the first two months of 2020 shows that manpower is down by 35%. It’s difficult to determine how much of this decrease is due to COVID-19 precautions vs a natural decrease based on work completion. The City of Orillia will continue to monitor the situation and is working closely with the general contractor. Work in Progress Building Work:
• Pool wall tiling continues and is nearing completion. • North pool viewing area glass has been installed. • Ceiling tiles in the pool change rooms is nearing completion. • Most counter tops, faucets, hand dryers and toilets have been installed in
both the main and lower level change rooms. Mirror installation has commenced.
• The installation of the exterior wood soffit is 90% complete with just the NE entrance area to complete.
• Pool timing clock has been installed with final wiring to occur. • Interior painting continues throughout various parts of the building.
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• Phenolic panel installation around the track is nearing completion. • Mechanical work in the lower level pool mechanical room is 100%
complete. • The rubberized flooring in the fitness area is being installed and is about
50% complete. • The wood flooring in the entry level fitness studio is installed. • Pool fixtures such as entry ladders, lifeguard chairs, entry railings etc. are
being installed and nearing completion. • Interior glass installation continues. • Interior doors are installed and are being painted. • The gymnasium floor is being prepared for the wood flooring. • Central feature stairway has been installed and is awaiting finishing details. • Life safety systems installation continues.
Site Work:
• Preparations continue to install the final layer of asphalt in the main parking lot.
• Plans are underway to finish the sodding/seeding and landscaping. • Retaining wall is 85% complete.
Contract Change Orders
• 277 Change Orders have been approved to date. • The changes include both credits for removal of work and additions for work
not specified in the tender documentation. • The current value of all changes to date is $3,098,801.95 of the $3,285,000
total available for contingency.
Project Schedule The following milestones are being tracked for completion within the next few weeks:
• Telephone and data cable installation will be complete. • Exterior wood soffit installation will be complete at NE entrance. • All lighting and electrical circuitry will be complete. • The gymnasium plywood and wood floor installation will have commenced. • Final landscaping and site seeding will be completed in 2020. • Final asphalt for parking lot will be completed in spring 2020. • Running track surface membrane and fitness center surface installation will
have commenced. • Pavers at the main entrance will be completed in spring 2020. • All interior and exterior doors will be painted and hardware will have been
installed. • Ceiling tile installation in various areas will be complete. • Railing installation at the west gym viewing area will be complete.
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• Phenolic panel installation will be complete. • Main level concrete floor final pour will be complete. • All interior glass will have been installed. • Millwork will be complete in reception areas. • Interior building signage installation will be complete. • Commissioning of various building mechanical and pool mechanical
systems with have commenced. Communications
The Parks, Recreation and Culture Program Guide include information on the project milestones to date. The project website will be updated to include the CIP, as well as information and photos related to project milestone updates. For more information, please contact Ray Merkley at [email protected].
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\\Ds\operations\Environmental Services\C - Council, Boards and Bylaws\C11 - Reports to Council 1 P\CIP's\2020\CIP - Spring Cleanup\CIP - Spring Clean-up 2020.doc
CITY OF ORILLIA
COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKAGE (CIP)
TO: Mayor and Members of Council FROM: Environmental Services and Operations Department DATE: March 24, 2020 SUBJECT: Annual Spring Clean-up After almost six months of winter control the Environmental Services and Operations Department is transitioning into spring clean-up services. Spring clean-up is expected to take approximately 12 weeks depending on spring weather conditions and consists of street sweeping and boulevard restoration maintenance. Street Sweeping: Street sweeping consists of removing sand from all municipal roads within City limits and City parking lots. This process is conducted by two street sweeping units, a flusher truck, and staff labour. The City also contracts out a portion of the street sweeping to aid in a timelier cleaning process. The process is highly dependent on the weather the City receives, as sweeping in the rain tends to spread mud on the streets; freezing temperature can cause damage to equipment, ice formation on roads, or snow storm(s) requiring the application of materials, which makes any prior efforts of sweeping redundant. Annually the City provides a public notice at the commencement of the spring sand cleanup, which has been attached to this CIP. Boulevard Restoration: One of the byproducts of winter control is damages incurred from equipment on the boulevards. Typical damage is a result of the snow bank removal process and sidewalk machines straying from the sidewalks. To repair these damages staff annually apply seed and topsoil to impacted areas around the City. Should a member of the public contact you regarding spring clean-up concerns, please redirect them to contact the Municipal Operations Centre at 705-326-4585, and staff will actively track and address their concerns. Please contact Kyle Mitchell (705-325-2284) should you have any further questions regarding spring cleanup. Attachment: Annual Public Spring Sand Cleanup Notice
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SPRING SAND CLEANUP The City is initiating its spring sand cleanup as temperatures are now forecasted to be consistently above freezing. Staff are projecting that cleanup efforts will take approximately 12 weeks to complete. Cleanup will be conducted in the following order: 1. Downtown area 2. Arterial roads and metered parking 3. All other streets The City of Orillia Environmental Services and Operations Department asks you to assist City crews in their spring clean up duties by NOT PILING SAND ON THE ROADWAY. The sweeper cannot pick up piles of sand so it is best if sand is left on the side of the road. Piled sand can be a hazard for traffic and the City may not have crews available to pick up piles of sand until later in May. Staff over the next month will be working primarily through the day, but may also switch to shift work (afternoons and nights) to accommodate the cleanup. Please be aware the City does not routinely remove sand from City sidewalks or driveways. Your assistance in the spring by removing the sand on sidewalks adjacent to your property is much appreciated. Should you have excess winter sand, the City’s Waste Diversion Site located on Kitchener St. will accept the sand free of charge to Orillia residents. The Waste Diversion Site is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Residents are encourages to dispose of any excess winter sand at the Waste Diversion Site once it has reopened to the public. We thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please call the City’s Municipal Operations Centre at 705-326-4585.
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CITY OF ORILLIA
COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKAGE (CIP)
TO: Mayor and Members of Council
FROM: Environmental Services and Operations Department
DATE: March 25, 2020
SUBJECT: WWTC Lagoon Cleanout Project Deferred to 2021
This CIP has been prepared to inform Members of Council regarding the status of the 2020 Issue Expense Increase to complete Lagoon Cleanouts at the WWTC. 2020 was the next scheduled year for the WWTC lagoons to be fully cleaned out and serviced. This is a maintenance activity required to occur approximately every five years to maintain the ability to complete biosolids haulage under the City’s contract. The City released a competitive Request for Tender to have the work completed by a contractor. Submissions were received by the City on March 11, 2020. Of the nine registered plan takers, only two bid submissions were received. The lowest bid exceeded the dedicated funding available through the 2020 Operating Budget Issue Expense. This work will not be completed in 2020 and instead will be deferred to 2021. The 2020 Issue Expense of $115,000 will not be spent and another request will be brought before Council as part of the 2021 budget deliberations. This course of action is being pursued due to the following:
• In light of the current COVID-19 situation the City staffing level required to support the work is not feasible or best practice in light of current SMDHU, the Province of Ontario and Federal guidelines.
• The price to complete the work exceeds the allocated budget. • Operations at the WWTC are able to support the deferral of this
maintenance activity, in the short-term until 2021. Operations will work with the City’s biosolids haulage contractor to limit disruptions.
The Environmental Services and Operations Department will bring forward an updated budget request to complete the Lagoon Cleanouts as part of the 2021 budget process. The Operating Budget Issue Expense approved for 2020 in regards to this project will be returned to the Water and Wastewater Reserve. Please call Renee Recoskie (705-325-2395) or Andrew Schell (705-325-7551) should you have any questions.
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CITY OF ORILLIA
COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKAGE (CIP)
TO: Mayor and Members of Council FROM: Environmental Services and Operations Department DATE: March 6, 2020 SUBJECT: Chapter 461 - User Fees - Environmental Services and
Operations - Stormwater The purpose of this CIP is to inform the Mayor and Members of Council of the 2020 stormwater rates, which become effective in the spring of 2020. At their Council Meeting held on March 4, 2019, Council adopted By-law Number 2019-26 to amend Chapter 461 of the City of Orillia Municipal Code – User Fees – Environmental Services and Operations – Stormwater. This by-law amended Schedule “A” of the Chapter to update the stormwater user fees recommended by Budget Committee (BC 19-03) as follows:
SCHEDULE ‘A’
STORMWATER - Chapter 461
ITEM TYPE OF USER FEES YEAR 2019 Rate 2020 Rate
1 Basic residential stormwater rate per property/30-day period $1.94 $3.00
2 Basic commercial stormwater rate per property or unit/30-day period $22.00
$33.61
Please call Stephen Gendron (705-325-2212) or Andrew Schell (705-325-7551) should you have any questions.
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Ministry of Finance Office of the Minister
71h Floor, Frost Building South 7 Queen's Park Crescent Toronto ON M?A 1Y7 Telephone: 416-325-0400
March 25, 2020
Dear Head of Council:
Ministere des Finances Bureau du ministre
r etage, Edifice Frost Sud 7 Queen's Park Crescent Toronto ON M?A 1Y7 Telephone: 416-325-0400
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all the work you are doing as local leaders in protecting the health and well-being of your communities. I am also writing to provide an update on the government's plan to respond to COVID-19, and the actions that we will be taking to further protect Ontarians.
Today, I released Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update). The government's action plan is a first step in its response to COVID-19, and includes $7 billion in additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people, jobs and employers. We will also make available $1 O billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets.
This $17 billion response is a critical first step to ensure our health care system, communities and economy are positioned to weather the challenges ahead.
During this challenging time, I understand that municipal governments need to focus their attention on critical public health initiatives and other efforts to manage the local response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The government has received input from municipal leaders, including AMO's president, that the reassessment should be delayed to provide much-needed stability to property owners and municipalities. That is why the government will also be postponing the property tax reassessment for 2021. This means that assessments for 2021 will continue to be based on the same valuation date that was in effect for 2020, providing stability for Ontario's property taxpayers and municipalities.
The Province recognizes that many residents and businesses are facing challenges in making their scheduled property tax payments. I understand that many municipalities are considering or have already announced plans to allow their residents and businesses to defer their property tax payments.
. . ./cont'd
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In order to support and encourage these actions, the government is deferring the property tax payments that municipalities make to school boards by 90 days. This is consistent with requests that we have heard from a number of municipalities.
Deferring the upcoming quarterly (June 30) municipal remittance of education property tax to school boards by 90 days will provide municipalities the flexibility to, in turn, provide over $1.8 billion in property tax deferrals to residents and businesses. In addition, the government is also deferring the following quarterly (September 30) municipal remittance of education property tax to school boards by 90 days.
As we work with our municipal partners to help stop the spread of COVID-19, we are providing nearly $250 million of direct support that will assist municipalities in their efforts.
Further details on the property tax measures noted above will be provided to your municipal treasurers shortly through a letter from Allan Doheny, Assistant Deputy Minister, Provincial Local Finance Division.
The government is taking steps to lessen the burden for families, businesses and communities. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with municipalities as we enhance our efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, protect public health, support Ontario businesses and to weather the challenges ahead.
Sincerely,
Rod Phillips Minister of Financ
c: The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Greg Orencsak, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance Kate Manson-Smith, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Allan Doheny, Assistant Deputy Minister, Provincial-Local Finance Division, Ministry of Finance
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Update for Partners
COVID-19
March 25, 2020
Message from the Medical Officer of Health
Current Situation (as of 10:00 on March 25)
Risk Assessment
Public Health Planning and Response
Resources
Other Reliable Sources of Information
Message from the Medical Officer of Health
On March 23, the Premier ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses as of March 24 at midnight for two weeks in order to slow the spread and impact of COVID-19. This action, which requires the closure of all non-essential businesses and establishments, will be enforced if it becomes necessary but non-essential businesses are being called on to do their part without enforcement. It is recognized that these closures will be difficult for local businesses and community members. But we also know that these closures and changes to business as usual are necessary to decrease close interactions with others, thereby helping to reduce the spread of illness in our communities. We all need to work together to ‘flatten the curve’.
As much as possible, everyone needs to take steps to limit the number of people they come into close contact with, including those employed at essential workplaces. The COVID-19 virus is being transmitted in communities in Simcoe Muskoka. Safeguard yourself and others. Stay home. If you need to go out, ensure you maintain physical distance from others (2 metres/6 feet). Wash your hands frequently. Remain in self-isolation for 14 days if you are experiencing symptoms; have returned from travel outside of Canada; and/or are a contact of a confirmed case (you would be notified by the health unit). The importance of these measures cannot be overstated at this critical time. I encourage you to promote these messages to avoid the spread of disease in your own employees, workplaces, constituents and clients.
Information about preventing the spread of COVID-19 and resources to support you can be found at www.smdhu.org/coronavirus. Dr. Charles Gardner Medical Officer of Health
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Current Situation (as of 10:00 on March 25, 2020)
Local Situation – Simcoe Muskoka
There are 21 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus in Simcoe Muskoka residents, including six hospitalizations and two virus-related deaths. Three of the cases are considered community acquired (without a link to someone with confirmed COVID-19 or
travel to an affected area). These numbers only reflect those who have been tested. There are likely many more people with the COVID-19 virus in Simcoe Muskoka in light of the evidence of increasing community transmission.
Provincial Situation – Ontario
There were 85 more people diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ontario yesterday, increasing the total confirmed cases in Ontario to 671. This includes eight people who have recovered and nine deaths. There are currently 10,489 people being investigated with lab results pending. A total of 35,635 people have been approved for testing.
National Situation – Canada
There are 2091 (up 583) confirmed cases of people with the COVID-19 virus in Canada and 24 (up 3) virus-related deaths.
At this time over half of people diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus were exposed to it in a community setting. This means that at this time over half of the people diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus in Canada have been exposed to the virus within the community.
Global Situation
For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation in Canada see the Government of Canada website. A detailed epidemiologic curve is also available.
For the most up-to-date information on the status of COVID-19 in Ontario see the Province of Ontario website
For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation globally see: Daily WHO
Situation Report, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website, and downloadable daily data on the global geographic distribution of COVID-19 virus on an interactive situation dashboard.
SMDHU’s COVID-19 HealthSTATS webpage is live and provides daily weekday updates on the status of people with the virus within the region. In addition, the health unit holds a virtual media briefing with Dr. Gardner Monday-Friday at 1:00 p.m. You can also view SMDHU’s press releases for more information.
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Risk Assessment
COVID-19 is a serious health threat, and the situation is evolving daily. The risk will vary between and within communities, but given the increasing number of cases in Canada, the risk to Canadians is considered high.
Community transmission is being experienced in Simcoe Muskoka, meaning the source of the illness cannot be traced. As community transmission occurs we will not be able to test and confirm everyone who has the virus. In light of this, physical distancing it the one tool we have to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes of COVID-19 for Canadians: o aged 65 and over
It is important to note that although outcomes tend to be more severe in the older population, people of all ages can get COVID-19 and there are cases of younger people being hospitalized.
o with compromised immune systems o with underlying medical conditions
Anyone who has new cold-like/respiratory symptoms (regardless of travel history), and has not been tested for COVID-19, is to self-isolate at home for 14 days, or until their symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer as per the Public Health Agency of Canada at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms.html.
There are also increased risks for Canadians who have travelled or are travelling abroad. The Government of Canada currently advises avoiding all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
o All people who are coming into Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days, monitor for symptoms and practice prevention behaviours for everyone including physical distancing, washing hands frequently and coughing/sneezing into the bend of your arm.
An enhanced interactive self-assessment tool is available from the Ontario Ministry of Health.
o People who are experiencing symptoms but cannot be tested should isolate themselves until they have recovered.
COVID-19 Planning and Response
SMDHU Response
SMDHU is implementing the Incident/Emergency Status Phase of Infectious Disease Emergency Response Plan and many health unit staff continue to be actively redeployed into other positions within the agency. This disruption to our everyday business means that it is not business as usual for the health unit and as a consequence certain health unit functions have been deferred or curtailed until our response to COVID-19 is over.
SMDHU continues to experience a strong demand for information from the public, with a large number of calls and emails. Staff have been deployed to attempt to meet these demands. The SMDHU Health Connection line continues to have extended hours of
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operation and a dedicated line to respond to calls and emails about COVID-19. Contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 ext. 5829 or via email.
Extended hours of operation of Health Connection for March 23-30: o Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. o Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SMDHU continues to conduct surveillance (including the monitoring of flu-like symptom presentations in all local emergency departments) and communicate local surveillance data. Going forward our COVID-19 HealthSTATS pages will focus on the total picture of our community rather than individual cases (case counts, epidemiology, age ranges, and risk factors).
As COVID-19 information and messages change and additional resources become available we continue to update our public website, our website for health professionals and inform those who are staffing phone lines and email. We continue to share key messages on our social media platforms. We also hold a virtual media briefing with Dr. Gardner Mon-Fri at 1:00 p.m.
Health sector partners continue to be updated as often as necessary with new information and/or updated guidance documents and resources through HealthFAXs and through easy access links on our health professional portal. Guidance for specific sectors, workplaces and individuals are also posted on our website.
SMDHU will be involved in the opening of emergency child care centres from an IPAC and food safety perspective.
Local Response
In order to meet the growing needs of area residents with medical concerns related to COVID-19, dedicated assessment centres have been opened in Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia, Midland, Alliston and centres in Huntsville and Bracebridge are being planned. Information about where assessment centres are, when to attend and what to bring are available on the SMDHU website.
Municipalities are encouraged to be ready to activate emergency response plans. States of emergency have been declared by: County of Simcoe; City of Barrie; and Oro-Medonte.
SMDHU is leading the coordination with provincial and local partners to receiving and distribute donations of PPE and other necessary medical supplies.
Ontario Response
The province announced the closure of all non-essential businesses and establishments which will be enforced if it becomes necessary.
Public gatherings/events of over 50 people continue to be prohibited.
Currently, the volume of testing has exceeding the capacity of the Ontario Public Health laboratory system and there us a significant lag in getting the results back.
o The Ontario Public Health Laboratory is working with private and hospital laboratories to build up the province’s capacity to do testing more quickly.
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o Due to the limitations of testing the numbers communicated do not likely reflect current numbers of those who have the COVID-19 virus.
The province is calling on all non-essential organizations and businesses who have available medical supplies to contact the government for them to acquire them. In addition to supplies the province is looking to businesses and organizations for solutions and ideas to help communities withstand the pandemic. Go to the Ontario Together Portal for more information.
There are 58 COVID-19 assessment centres now running in the province.
Ontario schools and child care facilities will remain closed indefinitely with education supports including TVO and online learning being explored for school-aged children. The province is working to open child care spaces to support families with children who work for essential services.
Ontario is enhancing measures to keep staff, volunteers and residents in long-term care homes safe.
$200 million in social service funding was announced to protect Ontario’s most vulnerable populations with funding going to municipalities, food banks, homeless shelters and individuals.
Ontario announced providing electricity relief to families, small businesses and farms for a 45-day period.
Health Canada has released an FAQ document regarding Subsection 56(1) Class Exemption for Patients, Practitioners and Pharmacists Prescribing and Providing Controlled Substances in Canada during the Coronavirus Pandemic. It has been attached to today’s Situation Report.
Clarification around the Hospital Redeployment order (Regulation 74/20 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act) can be found here.
Available Resources
Public Signage available for: Physical Distancing (also known as social distancing), Washing your hands, Visitors
Enhanced information for employers and employees and resources for workplaces and partners can be found on SMDHU webpages
Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659
An enhanced interactive self-assessment tool is available from the Ontario Ministry of Health.
COVID-19 virtual assistant is now available on federal website (found at bottom right corner of Government of Canada COVID-19 website)
Updated guidance documents for various settings: o Guidance for Personal Service Settings (PSS) o Guidance for Food Premises Best Practices Summary Sheet o Guidance for Independent Health Facilities o Guidance documents for health sectors organizations
Guidance for pharmacies Guidance for Long-Term Care Homes
A checklist for Long-Term Care homes
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o Guidance for Consumption and Treatment Services sites o Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) recommendations for the use of personal
protective equipment (PPE) for care of individuals with suspect or confirmed COVID-19
Government of Canada guidance documents area available for: communities, businesses
and health professionals.
Many fact sheets including one on cleaning and disinfection in public settings are
available on the Public Health Ontario website
Resources coming soon
Use of PPE for non-health care workers
Guidance for Shelters, Funeral Homes, Child Care Services for Essential Workers, and direction regarding Migrant Workers
Other Reliable sources of information
Ontario Ministry of Health (OMOH)
Government of Canada (GOC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
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Update for Partners
COVID-19
March 27, 2020
Message from the Medical Officer of Health
Current Situation (as of 15:00 on March 27)
Risk Assessment
Public Health Planning and Response
Resources
Other Reliable Sources of Information
Message from the Medical Officer of Health
COVID-19 virus is being transmitted in communities in Simcoe Muskoka. We all need to work together to ‘flatten the curve’. As much as possible, everyone needs to take steps to limit the number of people they come into close contact with, including those working at essential workplaces. We understand business closures and changes to how business is conducted for those who remain open are difficult and I thank you for all you are doing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. If you remain open please follow public health guidance to keep both your employees and customers/clients safe.
Continue to safeguard yourself and others. Stay home. If you need to go out, ensure you maintain physical distance from others (2 metres/6 feet). Wash your hands frequently. Remain in self-isolation for 14 days if you are experiencing symptoms and/or are a contact of a confirmed case (you would be notified by the health unit). Additionally, the Quarantine Act has been invoked requiring all those who have returned from travel outside of Canada to quarantine themselves for 14 days or face potential penalties.
The importance of these measures cannot be overstated at this critical time. I encourage you to promote these messages to avoid the spread of disease amongst your own employees, workplaces, constituents and clients.
I am holding virtual media briefings on our Facebook page live Monday-Friday at 1:00 p.m. www.facebook.com/simcoe.muskoka. They will also be uploaded to our YouTube channel with closed captioning. Local information about COVID-19 and resources to support you can be found at www.smdhu.org/coronavirus.
Dr. Charles Gardner Medical Officer of Health
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Current Situation (as of 10:00 on March 27, 2020)
Local Situation – Simcoe Muskoka
Community transmission is being experienced in Simcoe Muskoka. There are 33 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus in Simcoe Muskoka residents, including three virus-related deaths and 5 hospitalizations. Eight of the cases are considered community acquired (with no link to someone with confirmed COVID-19 or travel outside of Canada). These numbers only reflect those who have been tested. There are likely many more people with the COVID-19 virus in Simcoe Muskoka in light of the evidence of increasing community transmission.
Provincial Situation – Ontario
There were 85 more people diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ontario yesterday, increasing the total confirmed cases in Ontario to 835. This includes eight people who have recovered and 15 deaths. There are currently 10,965 people being investigated with lab results pending. A total of 38,550 people have been approved for testing.
National Situation – Canada
There are 4018 confirmed cases of people with the COVID-19 virus in Canada and 39 virus-related deaths. At this time in Canada, almost 60% of people diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus were exposed to it in a community setting, with no link to someone with confirmed COVID-19 or travel outside of Canada.
Global Situation
For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation in Canada see the Government of Canada website. A detailed epidemiologic curve is also available.
For the most up-to-date information on the status of COVID-19 in Ontario see the Province of Ontario website
For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation globally see: Daily WHO Situation Report, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website, and downloadable daily data on the global geographic distribution of COVID-19 virus on an interactive situation dashboard.
SMDHU’s COVID-19 HealthSTATS webpage is live and provides daily weekday updates on the status of people with the virus within the region. You can also view SMDHU’s press releases for more information.
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Risk Assessment
Community transmission is being experienced in Simcoe Muskoka, meaning the source of the illness cannot be traced. As community transmission occurs we cannot test and confirm everyone who has the virus. In light of this, physical distancing it the best tool we have to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 continues to be a serious health threat with the risk to Canadians assessed as high. The risk will vary between and within communities.
Anyone who develops cold-like/respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose, etc.) should self-isolate at home for 14 days. If at 14 days, they don’t have a fever and the symptoms are improving, they can come out of self-isolation. If symptoms persist or worsen, they should seek assessment with their health care provider, Telehealth, assessment centre or emergency department as needed.
People with mild symptoms generally do not require testing.
There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes of COVID-19 for Canadians: o aged 65 and over
It is important to note that although outcomes tend to be more severe in the older population, people of all ages can get COVID-19 and there are cases of younger people being hospitalized.
o with compromised immune systems o with underlying medical conditions
There are also increased risks for Canadians who have travelled or are travelling abroad. The Government of Canada currently advises avoiding all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
o All people who are coming into Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days, monitor for symptoms and practice prevention behaviours for everyone including physical distancing, washing hands frequently and coughing/sneezing into the bend of your arm.
An enhanced interactive self-assessment tool is available from the Ontario Ministry of Health. People who are experiencing symptoms but cannot be tested should isolate themselves until they have recovered.
COVID-19 Planning and Response
SMDHU Response
SMDHU Vulnerable Populations for COVID-19 Response Interactive Map: this interactive online map highlights vulnerable populations (e.g. seniors, persons living in low income) and places (e.g. long-term care homes, COVID-19 Assessment Centres, licenced child cares) in Simcoe Muskoka. This tool can be used for planning as part of COVID-19 pandemic response.
o This will be accessible soon under the Maps section of our HealthSTATS website, but can currently be accessed directly through this link.
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SMDHU continues to conduct surveillance (including the monitoring of flu-like symptom presentations in all local emergency departments) and communicate local surveillance data, including for COVID-19. See our COVID-19 HealthSTATS page, which is updated daily
The SMDHU Health Connection line continues to have extended hours of operation and a dedicated line to respond to calls and emails about COVID-19. Contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 ext. 5829 or via email.
Extended hours of operation of Health Connection for March 23-30: o Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. o Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SMDHU online information: o For public o For healthcare professionals o For health sector partners o For workplaces and partners o For employers and employees
We continue to share key messages on our social media platforms. We also hold a virtual media briefing with Dr. Gardner Mon-Fri at 1:00 p.m. through Facebook Live.
SMDHU will be involved in the opening of emergency child care centres from an IPAC and food safety perspective.
Local Response
Ontario hospitals are calling on their communities for donations of unused and unopened (in factory packaging) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including N95 masks, procedure/surgical masks (ear loop or tie back), safety goggles, disposable fluid resistant gowns, disposable gloves (especially non-latex), and hand sanitizer.
o If you are a company, business or individual who can donate any of these items listed above, information about who to contact is found on SMDHU’s website.
Information about the assessment centres within the region is also available on the SMDHU website.
Municipalities are encouraged to be ready to activate emergency response plans.
Ontario Response
An emergency order to close all non-essential businesses was put in place at 11:59PM on March 24, 2020 and is being enforced when necessary.
Questions about the Emergency Order closing non-essential business? o Municipalities: contact the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre
([email protected]) o Businesses: contact Stop the Spread Business Information Line (1-888-444-3659),
Monday to Sunday, from 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Public gatherings/events of over 50 people continue to be prohibited.
Ontario schools and child care facilities will remain closed indefinitely with education supports including TVO and online learning being explored for school-aged children.
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The province is working to open child care spaces to support families with children who work for essential services.
The province is working to: o increase provincial lab testing capacity and reduce the backlog of tests o augment necessary medical supplies and equipment o support increased capacity at Telehealth by adding 100 registered nurses o support assessment of COVID-19 through dedicated assessment centres o support enhanced measures to keep staff, volunteers and residents of long-term care
homes safe
National Response The Government of Canada announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act
that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. All individuals permitted to enter Canada are subject to this Order, with the exception of certain persons who cross the border regularly to ensure the continued flow of goods and services, and those who provide essential services.
Available Resources
Public Signage available for: physical distancing (also known as social distancing), washing your hands, visitors
An enhanced interactive self-assessment tool is available from the Ontario Ministry of Health.
COVID-19 virtual assistant is now available on federal website (found at bottom right corner of Government of Canada COVID-19 website)
Updated guidance documents for various settings: o Guidance for Food Premises Best Practices Summary Sheet o Guidance for Independent Health Facilities o Guidance documents for health sectors organizations
Guidance for pharmacies Guidance for Long-Term Care Homes
A checklist for Long-Term Care homes o Guidance for Consumption and Treatment Services sites o Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) recommendations for the use of personal
protective equipment (PPE) for care of individuals with suspect or confirmed COVID-19
Government of Canada guidance documents
Public Health Ontario fact sheets
Resources coming soon
Use of PPE for non-health care workers
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Guidance for Shelters, Funeral Homes, Child Care Services for Essential Workers, and direction regarding Migrant Workers
Other Reliable sources of information
Ontario Ministry of Health (OMOH)
Government of Canada (GOC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
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Effective Immediately, All Conservation Areas Closed to the Public Newmarket - March 24, 2020 – Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) has made the difficult decision to temporarily close all 19 conservation areas effective immediately. For your safety, please do not visit these areas as they will not be maintained until further notice. “If anyone understands and appreciates the importance of nature and getting outside, it’s the staff at conservation authorities. We have not made this decision lightly, but we are doing what is in the best interest of our watershed community”, says Brian Kemp, General Manager of Conservation Lands. “With the trails not being monitored for hazards like falling or fallen trees, we cannot ensure visitor safety. We have no choice. It’s a matter of public safety.” adds Brian. We ask that the public respect these closures and stay out of all conservation areas, including Scanlon Creek in Bradford, Thornton Bales in King, Rogers Reservoir in East Gwillimbury, Whitchurch in Stouffville, Sheppard’s Bush in Aurora, Beaver River Wetlands between Uxbridge and Cannington, as well as Durham Regional Forest which is south and west of Uxbridge. A full list of which properties are included in the closure can be can be found online here: www.lsrca.on.ca/enjoytheoutdoors/conservationareas What you can still do:
• If you have a yard, you can still get outside and enjoy it • You can still go for walks in your neighbourhood, ensuring you keep the minimum
distance of 6 feet from others • You can still open a window, even if just a crack, and enjoy some fresh air • You can still be social by calling or emailing your friends, families and neighbours • You can visit your local library online, which has access to lots of learning and other
online resources. Visit our website at www.LSRCA.on.CA or social media channels for updates to this notice and for information about other activities you can participate in. It is the mission of LSRCA to work with our community to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed by leading research, policy and action.
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Media Contact: Susan Jagminas, Corporate Communications E-Mail: [email protected]
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